Massachusetts General Hospital

Overview

Dr. Cole's current research is focused on advanced neuroimaging techniques and clinical research.

Dr. Cole has published extensively in clinical neurology, epilpesy, and basic neuroscience. In addition to research and clinical work, Dr. Cole lectures frequently throughtout the United States and internationally, and has been a visiting professor at numerous institutions in the U.S.A. and abroad. 

Principal Investigator

Andrew J. Cole, MD

• Professor of Neurology,
  Harvard Medical School
• Assistant in Neurology,
  Massachusetts General Hospital
• Director,
  Massachusetts General Hospital Epilepsy Service

Research Coordinators

• Sutanuka Lahiri -Clinical Research Coordinator
  slahiri@partners.org
  Samantha Donovan - Clinical Research Coordinator
  srdonovan@partners.org

Research Projects

Clinical Trials

Visit the Research page of the Epilepsy Service website for information about studies that are currently enrolling.

Functional MRI of language (Plasticity of Language Cortex)

Principle Investigator: Andrew Cole, MD
Co-Principle Investigator: Bradley R. Buchbinder, MD, Radiology

Advanced neuroimaging and MEG studies

Principle Investigator: Andrew Cole, MD
Co-Principle Investigator: Steve Stufflebeam, MD, Radiology

Clinical Trials Staus Updates - Closed to Enrollment

RNS™ System Long-term Treatment Clinical Investigation  (Neuropace)

The responsive-neurostimulator (RNS) long-term treatment study is investigating how well the RNS™ system, a surgically implanted device, works in patients over an extended period of time as treatment for partial onset seizures. In order to be eligible for this study all subjects must have completed participation in the initial trial of this device, RNS™ System Pivotal Clinical Investigation which began at MGH in 2005.

The RNS™ System (made by Neuropace Inc.) is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of medically uncontrolled partial onset seizures.  The RNS device has a small battery for power and a microprocessor that detects (senses) and stores electrical activity from the brain. When a seizure is detected, it responds by sending electrical stimulation through leads (tiny wires with electrodes) to a small part of the patient's brain to stop the seizure. This type of treatment is called responsive stimulation, but it is not yet known if it will work for the treatment of epilepsy.

Principle Investigator: Andrew Cole, MD
Research Coordinator: Samantha Donovan srdonovan@partners.org
For more information about the trial visit our sponsor’s website www.neuropace.com

Does memantine improve verbal memory task performance in patients with localization-related epilepsy and memory dysfunction?  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Many patients with epilepsy have memory deficits.  Unfortunately, the treatment options for memory dysfunction in patients with epilepsy are limited.  We are conducting a study to evaluate the effects of memantine, a medication used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, for the treatment of memory dysfunction in subjects with localization-related seizures.

Principle Investigator: Beth Leeman baleeman@partners.org
Research Coordinator: Samantha Donovan srdonovan@partners.org

Read about and apply for residency, fellowship and observership programs at http://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/education.

Apply for temporary positions (summer interns) through the Bulfinch Temporary Service Web site at http://www.massgeneral.org/careers/temporary.aspx. Search for all opportunities using ID# 2200484.

All applicants should register with the Mass General Careers Web site at http://www.massgeneral.org/careers/viewall.aspx. Request a list of current open positions at mghneurology@partners.org.

Dr. Cole's publications are available via the following links:

Epilepsy Service Publications

PubMed publications

Epilepsy Service

Phone: 617-726-3311
Fax: 617-726-9250
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Consultation Second Opinion and Record Review

Phone: 617-726-3311

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, First Seizure Clinic, Epilepsy Surgery

Phone: 617-726-3311

Pediatric Epilepsy

Phone: 617-726-6540
Pediatric Epilepsy website

Mailing Address

Andrew J. Cole, MD
Director, Mass General Hospital Epilepsy Service
Chief, Mass General Epilepsy Research Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114

E-mail: cole.andrew@mgh.harvard.edu

Clinical Trials

Samantha R. Donovan
Clinical Research Coordinator